Charleston County Public Library gives out free eclipse glasses

Don’t destroy your retinas

Hyped for the total eclipse on Aug. 21, but worried about your eyes? Charleston County Public Library is offering free eclipse glasses on a first-come, first-served basis — starting July 3 with 500 pairs at the Main Library. A library card is not needed to receive glasses, but there is a limit of one per household member.

Part of the STAR Network’s eclipse glasses distribution program, the library’s several thousand glasses are provided by the Space Science Institute and feature scratch-resistant, filtered polymer lenses.

Looking directly into the sun is a good way to kiss your vision goodbye. Similar to a magnifying glass, the lens in your eye focuses light onto your retinas. Anything more than a quick glance can result in permanent damage — literally burning a hole into your retina. Ordinary sunglasses, no matter how dark, won’t protect you as they don’t have the right filters.

Never look at the sun through a camera, telescope, or binoculars. Eclipse glasses won’t protect you — the concentrated rays will damage the filter. There are custom solar filters available for cameras, binoculars, and telescopes, but talk with an astronomer before using one.

Totality, or the point where the moon completely blocks the sun and makes the hidden corona visible, passes over the Lowcountry between 2:40 and 2:50 p.m. on Aug. 21 Make sure you’re in a good spot to watch around 1 p.m. as that’s when the partial eclipse starts.

If you’re not a Charleston County resident, don’t worry. Berkley, Dorchester, and Joint Base Charleston libraries are also offering free eclipse glasses.